Sports
Rivers Athletes Win Four Medals At National Kickboxing Meet
Four athletes of the Riv
ers State kickboxing Association have returned with four medals from the just concluded fith Edition of Aguma Open National kick-boxing championship held in Delta State last week.
The athletes won two gold and two (2) Silver medals in their different weight category at the competition.
The atheletes who participated in the competition include Daniel Okechi, Rufus Prince, prince Epere and Wisdom Fred Oguru.
Okechi won gold in the 75kg, Prince won gold in 57kg, Epere won Siliver in 57kg, while Oguru got one Silver in the 65kg category.
According to the kickboxers who attended the competition without sponsorship from any quarters, they were encouraged by their assistant coaches to take part in the competition.
They had to borrow kits, such as gloves, teeth guards and even money to enable them compete.
“The State team was invited for the Championship but, because of lack of funds, only four of us and two assistant coaches were able to attend out of personal determination and sacrifie”, Daniel said.
Meanwhile, the athletes pleaded with the association, the Sports Council and State government to refund the expenses they incurred at the competition.
Daniel, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said that they (athletes) need encouragement and motivation to bring out the best in them, saying that, it is true that the new government is yet to settle down fully, all they need to succeed and do the state proud at all times is total support.
The competition, which commenced on the 16th of this month lasted for three days.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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